Burnout, Exercise Training, Health Promotion, Occupational Stress or Workplace Stress, Quality of Life, Radiologists
Conditions
Brief summary
Radiologic technologists often face demanding work conditions that contribute to elevated stress levels and increased burnout risk, ultimately affecting both their well-being and professional effectiveness. Workplace exercise initiatives have shown potential benefits for improving physical and psychological health; however, experimental research targeting this specific occupational group is still scarce. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a structured workplace exercise intervention on perceived stress, burnout, and quality of life among radiologic technologists. The secondary objective is to assess the effects of a detraining period on the same outcomes following completion of the exercise program.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALWorkplace Exercise Program
Participants complete a six-week workplace exercise program comprising structured sessions based on methodologies described in previous studies (Alqhtani et al., 2023; Gelfman et al., 2024). Sessions are conducted three times per week, twice per day, with each session lasting approximately 15 to 20 minutes. The program includes exercises primarily performed in a standing position and aims to improve flexibility, balance, and strength. Flexibility training: Static and dynamic stretching exercises performed three times per week, 1-2 sets per exercise, held for 10-15 seconds each. Balance training: Static and dynamic balance exercises performed three times per week, 1-3 sets per exercise, for 10-20 repetitions or 10-20 seconds over a 3-6 meter distance. Strength training: Bodyweight and resistance exercises using auxiliary equipment (e.g., elastic bands), performed three times per week, 1-3 sets per exercise, 8-15 repetitions per set, with a slow to moderate tempo.
Participants in the control (non-exercise) group maintain their usual work routines and will not participate in any structured exercise sessions during the study period.
Sponsors
University of Beira Interior
Pedro Ramalho
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Healthy radiographers (diagnostic and therapeutic imaging technologists) * Currently employed in the radiology department of the participating hospital * Voluntary participation with signed informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of major musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or neurological conditions that contraindicate physical exercise; * Pregnancy; * Unavailability to attend regular exercise sessions
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Changes in Quality of Life Levels | From baseline to 6 weeks (end of the exercise program) | The World Health Organization Quality of Life - BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) was used. The Portuguese version was adapted and validated by Canavarro et al. (2007). |
| Changes in Burnout Levels | From baseline to 6 weeks (end of the exercise program) | The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), developed by Kristensen et al. (2005) and adapted for the Portuguese population by Fonte (2011), was used to assess burnout levels. |
| Changes in Perceived Stress Levels | From baseline to 6 weeks (end of the exercise program) | The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was developed by Cohen, Kamarck, and Mermelstein (1983) and aims to measure an individual's subjective perception of stress intensity in their life - specifically, the degree to which situations are evaluated as unpredictable, uncontrollable, or overwhelming. The Portuguese version of the PSS-10 was validated by Trigo et al. (2010). |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Changes in quality of life, stress, and burnout | End of intervention (week 6) and after 4 weeks of detraining (week 10) | WHOQOL-BREF; Perceived Stress Scale; Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) |
Countries
Portugal
Outcome results
None listed